NEW

Resident Evil

New in Global Theaters: Delivers the goods, offering scares, a relentless pace and lots of laughs

Bárbara Lennie and Victoria Luengo. Photo: Sony Pictures Classics

Bitter Christmas

Coming Soon to U.S. Theaters: Not always compelling, but sharply crafted

Why Did I Get Married Again?

New on Netflix: As clichéd as everything else Tyler Perry does, but OK enough, with a good message about lessons learned between generations


RECENT

Sindre Strand Offerdal and Gina Bernhoft Gørvell. Photo: Viaplay

AVERAGE

The Commoner

Not as compelling or dramatic as The Crown, but handsomely produced and Gina Bernhoft Gørvell is fine as Sonja

Normal

Most of all it’s just a lot of fun watching this snowy little town get shot up and blown up as all hell breaks loose

Scary Movie

The Wayans brothers desperately want you to perceive their jokes as bold, but it’s too uninspired, predictable and childish


OLDER

Justice Smith. Photo: Warner

Pokémon Detective Pikachu

Premiered in 2019: Fans will approve, but perhaps few others; the mystery is a nothing burger

Call Jane

Premiered in 2022: Conventionally made, with expected dramatic highs and lows, but it’s worth a look, with a fine cast

Despicable Me 4

Premiered in 2024: Much of it looks like a low-rent version of The Incredibles (2004)


LONGER REVIEWS

Tatum and Ryan O’Neal. Photo: Paramount

Paper Moon

Premiered in 1973: There’s a charm combined with a pinch of darkness that makes it seem more authentic than you might expect

The Invite

Seth Rogen is first-rate as the thoroughly miserable Joe

Paul Newman. Photo: United Artists

Exodus

Premiered in 1960: Uses its locations in Cyprus and Israel very well, Sal Mineo is memorable and Ernest Gold’s main theme became an instant classic